Korallion Exhibition
Korallion – Sicilian Coral From Ancient Myth to Summer Design
Fecarotta Antichità, Palermo
Until September 22, 2026
Free admission
There are few materials in the history of jewellery that carry such a rich mixture of myth, symbolism, craftsmanship, and beauty as coral. In Sicily, and particularly in Trapani, coral has been transformed for centuries into extraordinary jewels, devotional objects, and works of art. Now, Fecarotta Antichità celebrates this remarkable heritage with KORALLION, an exhibition that brings together the ancient and the contemporary, the mythological and the fashionable.
What Is Korallion
- What Is Korallion
- From Medusa to Coral
- From Pagan Myth to Christian Symbolism
- Sicily and the Art of Coral
- A Timeless Classic
- Conclusion
- Visit Korallion
Korallion
Opened in July 2026, KORALLION represents a new chapter in Fecarotta Antichità’s long-standing exploration of coral. It follows CORALLIVM, an exhibition presented almost a decade ago, but it is by no means a repetition. Instead, it continues the story, tracing coral’s journey from classical mythology and ancient symbolism to the jewellery and design of today.
From Medusa to Coral
The title KORALLION immediately takes us back to antiquity. The story of coral’s mythical origins is recounted by the Roman poet Ovid in Book IV of his Metamorphoses.
After defeating Medusa and rescuing Andromeda, Perseus rests beside the sea. Carrying the Gorgon’s severed head, he carefully places it on a bed of seaweed and marine twigs so that the delicate branches will not be damaged. But Medusa’s supernatural power remains. The vegetation touched by her head hardens and is transformed into coral.
Ovid describes the transformation with extraordinary vividness: what was once soft and pliable beneath the water becomes rigid and stone-like when exposed to the air. The sea nymphs, fascinated by the miracle, repeat the experiment with other branches, and coral multiplies throughout the sea.
It sounds almost like a scene from a modern fantasy film, a superhero, a monster, magical transformation and spectacular special effects. Yet this is Ovid, writing nearly two thousand years ago.
And, of course, Ovid was a poet, not a marine biologist. The fact that coral is an animal rather than a plant only makes the story more enchanting. Myth does not seek scientific accuracy; it seeks meaning.
From Pagan Myth to Christian Symbolism
Over the centuries, coral acquired new meanings.
In the Christian era, its intense red colour and organic form encouraged an association with the blood of Christ and with the sacrifice made for the salvation of humanity. Its branching structure also evoked the Tree of Life, while its colour came to represent life itself.
Coral was surrounded by beliefs in its protective and healing powers. In antiquity, it could be ground into powder and was credited with the ability to staunch bleeding from wounds and ulcers. Its branches were also believed to protect against evil influences, demons and the forces of Satan, while coral was associated with vitality and fertility.
Above all, however, coral came to embody the beauty and perfection of Creation.
This combination of beauty and symbolism explains why coral soon became a precious material for artisans, used alongside gold, enamel and gemstones in jewellery, devotional objects, and both sacred and secular furnishings.
Sicily and the Art of Coral
Few places are more closely associated with the history of coral craftsmanship than Sicily.
The city of Trapani became one of the great centres of coral working, developing an extraordinary tradition of carving and mounting coral in elaborate objects and jewels. The importance of local coral was already recognized centuries ago: the Book of Roger II, dating from the 12th century, refers to the exceptional quality of coral harvested from the waters around Trapani.
The exhibition at Fecarotta Antichità brings this history vividly to life.
Visitors can discover antique objects incorporating Trapani coral, including coin cabinets, plaques, nativity scenes and sculptures. Alongside these historical works is an extensive selection of coral jewellery: necklaces, parures, bracelets, pendants, earrings in both dramatic and delicate forms, and rings.
The exhibition also looks firmly towards the present, with new designs and summer collections demonstrating just how naturally coral continues to adapt to contemporary jewellery.
A Timeless Classic
For Fecarotta Antichità, coral is more than a historical material. It is a family passion passed down through generations.
Fabrizio Fecarotta
“We love, collect, and sell both antique and modern coral jewelry and objects because coral is a timeless classic; it lends itself to countless styles while retaining its mystery and beauty over time.”
Conclusion
That sense of continuity is perhaps the most compelling aspect of KORALLION. The exhibition does not present coral as a relic of the past. Instead, it reveals an extraordinary material capable of moving effortlessly between centuries.
A branch of red coral can recall the myth of Medusa, the blood of Christ, the protective amulets of antiquity, the virtuoso workshops of Trapani, and, at the same time, feel entirely at home in a contemporary summer jewellery collection.
This is the enduring fascination of coral: it is simultaneously natural and transformed, ancient and modern, symbolic and sensual.
With KORALLION, Fecarotta Antichità invites us to rediscover that fascination and to look at coral not simply as a gemstone-like material, but as a living chapter in the history of Mediterranean culture and jewellery.
“We hope to help more people discover and appreciate it, we look forward to welcoming you!”
Visit Korallion
Fecarotta Antichità
Via Principe di Belmonte 103/B
Palermo, Italy
Exhibition: KORALLION – Sicilian Coral, From Ancient Myth to Summer Design
On view until: September 22, 2026
Admission: Free
Opening hours:
Tuesday–Friday: 9:30 AM–1:00 PM and 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Monday: afternoon only
Saturday: morning only
Sunday: closed
Sponsor: PLANETA